Witnesses - Why Did Jesus Need Them Then and Still Do Now

WHY DID JESUS PERFORM SO THAT THERE WOULD BE WITNESSES

Mark 9 presents a very interesting series of events that would unnerve the average individual. Of all the things Jesus did in performing signs, wonders, and miracles, what happened on the "Mount of Transfiguration" as it is sometimes called, just takes my breath away. I can imagine on the way up the mountain the disciples were engaged in regular banter and perhaps were completely unaware of what they were about to witness. And to be honest, I do wonder why Jesus allowed them to witness His transfiguration, even knowing that their, well at least Peter's, would be inappropriate. 

Why did He want witnesses?

Here, friends, I believe the answer is quite simply so that they could be eyewitnesses to all that He did for the sharing of the Gospel about the Son of God becoming the Son of Man and doing the impossible ... to reconcile God's family!

They had to witness the miracles so that they could speak from first hand observation. 

In addition, their faith was increased to do what Jesus did once He left. They got to see, and experience the impossible, the supernatural. Yes, the disciples would have had all the stories from Moses telling of the history of the children of Israel. But with Jesus, they got to live it and walk in it themselves.

Jesus Transfigured on the Mount

² Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. ³ His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. ⁴ And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. ⁵ Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— ⁶ because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.

⁷ And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” ⁸ Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.

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The disciples not knowing how to react to what they just saw and the appropriate thing to say, said the wrong thing so that God Himself had to address it. Notice Jesus did not tell them they were wrong and wanting to build tabernacles to Elijah, Moses, AND Jesus. God said, those other two are not ME, but Jesus is the only true REPRESENTATION OF ME AND MY ONLY SON. Hear Him over any others. 

Notice that the Father usually says everything through the Son, and rarely speaks Himself. When He does speak, we need to take special note of when that is and what He is saying.

Friend, hear Jesus and no one else when they speak that which is out of line with the Bible and what He has said.

MODERN DAY WITNESSES

This call has not changed. We are called to be modern-day witnesses of the life to Jesus Christ. We are called to replicate what Jesus did. It is all about telling it AND demonstrating it that is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Such was Paul's encouragement in 1 Corinthians 2:

^"4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human^[b] wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, ⁵ that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

With the help of the Holy Spirit, we not only retell the life and works of Jesus, we are called and empowered to do them. That is the true Gospel!

Let's pray:

Father, help us to not only speak of you but to demonstrate your Kingdom work in and through us, Lord. Help us not to succumb to a spirit of fear or the fear of man but to yield only to Your Spirit that the work of Jesus Christ might continue through our "hands," oh God! Lord, we need you as these times grow more dim and you entrust more of your light and your glory to you sons of daughter who are led by Your Spirit. The glory of God will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea and we will see it! We praise you, because we do not respond in fear but in faith that the Son of God will soon make His appearance. May we be ready and may you find faith in us, Lord! In Jesus name, we pray and move and have our being. Amen.